John Charles Thomas

September 2, 1951 - March 27, 2018

It is with sadness that the family of John Thomas announces his passing on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 66 years of age. He was born in Emporia, Kansas, to Dorothy and Paul Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Jacqueline Vazquez. He is survived by his brothers: Alan Thomas, Clinton Thomas, Steve Thomas, and Gary Thomas; his daughters, Jennifer Smith and Jessica Vazquez; his grandchildren Jamie Curtis, Jordan Sprinkler, Johna Swift-Thomas, Jessica Stephenson, Jeffery Vazquez and Julianna Vazquez and 3 great-grandchildren. John was a hero and inspiration to many. He served his community of Emporia, Kansas, for 30 years as a fire fighter, touching the lives of hundreds. He was a musician and music lover who shared his love with his family and friends, creating homemade CD’s for his grandchildren and niece and nephew. He had love food and loved to that share with his family and friends, from homemade spaghetti sauce to homemade jellies and donuts desired by all who had them. New to Southeast Texas, he fell in love with the area and its’ community, eager and excited to return to his new home state after being temporarily relocated due to Tropical Storm Harvey. He will always be remembered for his Hawaiian shirts, love of Jimmy Buffet and living life on his terms. A Celebration of Johns’ life will be held at 6:00pm, on Saturday, April 21st., at 6256 32nd St., Groves, TX 77619. Hawaiian shirts and flip flops requested but not required. "Jimmy, some of it's magic, some of it's tragic But I had a good life all of the way." – Jimmy Buffet. Songs You Know By Heart. Geffen Records. 1985. CD.